Life is slowly returning to normalcy in the Somali capital Mogadishu following two days of fighting over the president’s extended term which expired last month.
Federal government forces loyal to Hassan Seikh Mohamud and troops backing figures opposed to his extended stay in office.
Witnesses told APA on Sunday that there was a significant reduction in military movements across the city, with traffic and civilian activity resuming on key roads after security forces and armed groups withdrew from several flashpoints.
Former Somali president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire returned to their residences in Mogadishu’s Halane area following mediation efforts aimed at easing tensions and restoring stability.
The federal government said it had concluded a security operation against what it described as “anti-peace militias” accused of attempting to create unrest in the capital.
Authorities said security forces had successfully secured the city and prevented actions that could have threatened public order.
Meanwhile, international partners intensified efforts to defuse the political crisis, with diplomats urging both the government and opposition leaders to engage in dialogue to resolve disputes over elections, governance arrangements, and Somalia’s democratic transition.
The latest tensions have raised concerns among international observers, who have called for restraint and a negotiated solution to prevent further instability in the Horn of Africa nation.
The Somali capital Mogadishu has been on lockdown since Wednesday amid clashes between federal troops loyal to President Sheikh Hassan Mohamud and forces opposed to him.
President Mohamud’s official term expired on May 15 but he had vowed to stay on after constitutional amendments which his opponents condemned as a ploy to usurp power.
The unrest came as the oppositions were preparing to stage a demonstration against Mohamud’s continued hold onto power.
MG/as/APA